Dear Rexy,
I want to stay up late, but my parents always say no. Why do I have a bedtime if I am not tired?
— Theo S.
Dear Theo,
I get it — when you are not sleepy, a bedtime feels about as fair as a T. rex being told that he can’t have seconds for dinner! Here is a fun fact: Even the biggest, toughest dinosaurs needed rest to grow those massive bodies! Scientists think long-necked dinosaurs like Brachiosaurus needed serious downtime to keep growing to the size of a school bus. Sleep isn’t just about being tired. It’s when your body does its best growing, healing and brain-building work, even if you don’t feel it happening.
A bedtime isn’t a punishment. It is like a nest. Did you know that after a mother dinosaur laid her eggs, they stayed snug in a nest — often in a mound of dirt or sand? Just like a dinosaur egg needed its cozy nest to grow big and strong before hatching, your bed is your nest — a safe, warm spot where your body and brain get to rest and grow. So, even if you are not yawning yet, climb into that nest, and you will be ready to hatch into a brand-new and exciting day!
Sweet dreams!
Rexy
Dear Rexy,
How can I have a play date with you? What play experiences have you had in first grade? What do you do to make new friends?
— Emmy W.
Dear Emmy,
Whew! First grade is a big jungle. Everyone’s still learning new roars — I mean words! Sometimes you want to play with a friend, but you are a bit shy. Everyone is still figuring out how to ask, “Can I play with you?” or “Do you want to have a play date?”
Making new friends can give you butterflies in your tummy, but it is easier to do if you say “hi” with a smile. Even big dinosaurs get shy, but a smile helps! In the classroom, share your crayons or new pencils with a friend. Sharing is like a dinosaur handshake! If you are on the playground at recess, be brave like a Triceratops and ask someone to play. It is always fine to ask a teacher on the playground to help you meet a new friend.
Last week, my friend Stego came over to my house. We built a giant fort — my long tail barely fit in the fort! We had a snack and played tag in the backyard. At first, I wanted to pick every game, but eventually I let Stego choose. Guess what? Her game (pretend Swamp Singers) turned out to be my favorite game. The best play dates happen when everyone gets a turn to pick.
Emmy, I would love to have a play date with you sometime. Have a fun adventure in first grade and send me a drawing of your new friend!
Rexy
Dear Rexy,
I started third grade last month. I still have butterflies in my tummy. I am excited each day to see my friends, but I am not sure if my teacher likes me. I am worried about asking for help when I do not understand something. What should I do?
— Diane C.
Dear Diane,
Feeling butterflies in your tummy before something new means that you care — that is a good thing! Lots of kids feel the same way you do. I certainly do, and when I have butterflies in my tummy, the entire jungle knows — sounds of rumbling earthquakes and roaring, tumbling rocks! Here is a secret: Teachers get nervous meeting new students each year, and they want you to like them. Your teacher is there to answer all of your questions, help curious minds grow and make learning feel like an adventure. It is a job worth roaring about!
Teachers love hearing from their students. Draw a picture of your favorite animal and add the words, “I am excited to learn with you!” Your teacher will feel special and give you a big smile. Pictures from students are like treasures of beautiful malachite butterflies in the rainforest.
I hope that you have a magical year.
Rexy
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Mail:
Coast News Group
Attention: Rexy
531 Encinitas Blvd., Suite 204
Encinitas, CA 92024
Email: [email protected]
Subject line: Ask Rexy
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